Town team scheme will help new businesses
Business people who already operate in Dover are encouraging
budding entrepreneurs to come and join them – and two of the most
successful will receive £2,000 to get them off the ground.
The Make It Happen initiative is being launched by the Dover
Town Team, which was originally set up to bid for money in the
Portas Pilot project. Although the bid was unsuccessful, the town
team members decided to continue to work together to make a
difference to Dover.
Now they are looking for people who are thinking about
self-employment or starting a business in the Dover area.
“Using a team of experts over 12 weeks we will guide
applicants through business planning, banking, accountancy, sales,
marketing, networking and more,” said town team spokesman David
Little.
“Perhaps more importantly, at the end of the 12 weeks, the two
most outstanding candidates will receive a bursary of £2,000 to
help get their business venture started. This can be used towards
rent, stock, equipment or whatever they choose. Our aim is to
kickstart new businesses and continue with the regeneration of
Dover.
“In identifying, developing and encouraging new business
start-ups, the Town Team is determined to create opportunities for
local people. Several members of the Town Team have started and
built successful businesses in Dover and now, with the help of
other business people in the area we want to assist others in doing
the same.”
The Town Team say they decided to launch the scheme because
high unemployment and limited job opportunities have meant that
more and more people, from all ages and backgrounds, are looking
towards self employment as a way to generate an income for
themselves.
But how and where they start, how much money is needed, the
search for premises and dealings with HM Revenue and Customs are
all questions which they have to face, together with the need for a
business plan, help from a bank and how to advertise.
“We have put together a programme in which a select number of
local would-be entrepreneurs will be guided through the pitfalls
and advantages,” said Mr Little.
“At the end of the 12-week programme the two candidates
thought most likely to succeed will win £2,000 each, with no
stipulations other than they must live and be based in the town
area.”
20/03/13
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